Few occupations require as much skill as surgery. It takes a long time to become a surgeon and surgeons are expected to conduct themselves to a high professional standard.
While some surgeries are routine, others can be more serious. In any case, there is little margin for error. Nonetheless, errors in surgery can happen. Here are some of the more common surgical errors.
1. Wrong-site surgery
There are occasions when surgery may be performed on the wrong site. Wrong-site surgery often occurs due to improper planning. Once surgery has been performed on the wrong site, there is no going back. The patient will have to heal from the initial wound and further and unnecessary health complications may arise.
2. Wrong-patient surgery
While it may seem far-fetched, wrong-patient surgery does happen. Again, errors like this are often the result of a communication breakdown. Nonetheless, the repercussions for the patient on the receiving end can be life-changing.
3. Poor hygiene protocols
While the risks associated with surgery have decreased over the years, they still exist. One of the biggest risks is acquiring infections after surgery. This is why post-operative care is so important.
A surgical wound is much more likely to become infected if surgeons do not follow hygiene protocols during the procedure, such as hand washing, sterilizing equipment, etc. Aftercare is a crucial aspect of medical treatment that should not be overlooked, especially after surgery.
Mistakes aren’t necessarily medical malpractice, but if errors amount to a breach of duty of care, then they might be. Seeking legal guidance after poor medical treatment will give you a better idea of where you stand.